May 31, 2011

Berkeley: Sabuy Sabuy II (CLOSED); restaurant review

exterior of Sabuy Sabuy II in Berkeley, California
80 North

Sabuy Sabuy II  

CLOSED  1233 San Pablo Ave./Gilman St., (510) 528-3932. L-D M-Sat; $. Takes reservations.

Operating in an out-of-the-way location, this cheery spot with golden curry-colored walls is family owned and operated. Especially tasty Thai dishes at Sabuy Sabuy II include tom kha gai (green papaya salad); tom kai gai (lemongrass broth-coconut milk soup; pad se eew (wide rice-noodles with broccoli, egg, and beef; pad thai (chewy rice noodles with tofu and a few shrimp and crushed peanuts on top—NO tiny dried shrimp); kaeng dang (spicy red curry with coconut milk, veggies, and choice of meat). Spicy here is hot hot, so request mild if you don’t like heat; medium is plenty for those who like hot food.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California. 

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

May 27, 2011

Mendocino: Patterson's Pub; restaurant review

1 North

Patterson's Pub 

10485 Lansing St., (707) 937-4782. No cards.

exterior of Patterson's Pub in Mendocino, California
exterior of Patterson's Pub in Mendocino, California


Twenty-eight beers are on tap in this cozy traditional Irish pub, and the menu features pub fare--fish & chips, pulled pork sandwich, Philly cheese steak, burgers. Best of the lot is the grill-cut sweet potato fries. Peanuts and popcorn are complimentary, and a leave a book/take a book exchange is available in the back. Patterson's Pub has eight TVs and operates within an 1866 structure that was once the Rectory for Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church.


More things to do in Mendocino.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 25, 2011

Berkeley: Maoz (CLOSED); restaurant review

counter at Maoz in Berkeley, California
80 North

Maoz  

CLOSED  2395 Telegraph Ave./Channing Way, 2 blks. S of campus, (510) 356-4090. Daily 11-10, Thur-Sat to 11; $.

The Maoz dining concept originated in Amsterdam in 1991 and has spread throughout the world. In Berkeley, it takes the form of a casual interior, with large chunky tables, tiles with a green-and-white pattern covering walls and ceiling, and big windows looking out to The Ave. The Mediterranean menu features a delicious chickpea falafel-pita bread sandwich, salads, and popular sides such as sweet potato and Belgian fries. The best deal is a combo that includes a falafel sandwich, fries, and a drink of fresh-squeezed juice (carrot, orange, and apple). Portions are generous, and you can pile on as much salad stuffing as you can eat. Everything is made fresh daily; the pita bread is imported from Israel; and the menu includes gluten-free, celiac, and vegan options.


More things to do in Berkeley.

Way more things to do in Berkeley. 

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 16, 2011

Boonville: John Hanes Fine Art Gallery and Studio + Londer Vineyards Tasting Room (CLOSED); things to do

14051 Hwy. 128, (707) 489-0981. Thur-M 11-5; in winter F-M 11-5.

The John Hanes Fine Art Gallery and Studio displays more than 30 renowned artists from western states, plus some unique local art.
 

tasting at Londer Vineyards Tasting Room in Boonville, California

Londer Vineyards Tasting Room 

CLOSED ((707) 895-9001) 

In an alcove, the Londer Vineyards Tasting Room pours their small family winery’s award-winning Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Gewurztraminers.


More things to do in Boonville.

Things to do in nearby Philo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated Sept. 16, 2017

May 13, 2011

Yorkville: Yorkville Cellars; things to do

101 North

Yorkville Cellars 

25701 Hwy. 128, in Yorkville, (707) 894-9177. Tasting daily 11-6, in winter by appt.; tours by appt.

entry road leading to Yorkville Cellars in Yorkville, California
entry road leading to Yorkville Cellars in Yorkville, California


Set back from the road and surrounded by vineyards that rise up and out of the fog at 1,100 feet, the fabulously scenic Yorkville Cellars is, according to the owner, the “only known winery to grow and bottle as a separate varietal all eight of the main Bordeaux grapes.” The winery is family operated and farms only organic grapes. It is known for its Cabernet, but the Richard the Lion-Heart blend is noteworthy and unique--it includes all six of the “noble red grapes of Bordeaux.” Do try a chocolate ball injected with the winery’s 2008 Merlot, and keep your eyes open for sheep eating weeds between the vines (in spring, watch for darling little lambs, too). Picnic tables are available.


More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 9, 2011

Boonville: Lauren’s; restaurant review

interior at Loren's in Boonville, California
101 North

Lauren’s 

14211 Hwy. 128, (707) 895-3869. D Tu-Sat (5-9pm); May-Oct, L Thur-Sun; $$. Reservations taken.

Though Lauren's big open space is a popular gathering spot for locals, it has little atmosphere. But Lauren brings warmth and comfort to diners as she oversees the preparation of tasty homemade-style dishes and sometimes even waits tables herself. Her menu promises “Good Food—Good Times,” and she delivers the first item, using local and regional ingredients, including Anderson Valley wines and beers. The second item is up to you. The eclectic seasonal menu might offer a tasty grilled avocado-Fontina-tomato-onion-basil aioli sandwich or a creamy fettucine with local chantrelles or a Thai green curry with brown basmati rice. A good cheeseburger and veggie burger and especially good french fries are also options. When a honey-baked pear is on the dessert menu, go for it! Special kids’ items include noodles with butter and cheese. The bar area in the back has a pool table and a cozy spot where children can read and play.


More things to do in Boonville.

Things to do in nearby Philo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 6, 2011

San Francisco: Cafe 8; restaurant review

view from Cafe 8 in San Francisco
San Francisco

Cafe 8 

provides a scenic view over docked fishing boats to the Golden Gate Bridge, and serves up sandwiches, seafood salads, housemade clam chowder, delicious fried prawns, and fresh crab in season.  A sidewalk crab stand operates out front.





May 4, 2011

Boonville: Anderson Valley Brewing Company; things to do

17700 Hwy. 253, (800) 207-BEER, (707) 895-BEER. Tap Room daily 11-6. Tours daily at 11:30 & 3; $5 (refundable with purchase). Jan-Apr, closed Tu & W.

beer tasting at Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, California
beer tasting at Anderson Valley Brewing Company in Boonville, California


The tour of the all-ale Anderson Valley Brewing Company brewery--known for its Boont Amber and full-bodied Belgian-style abbey ales--takes you through the Bavarian-style brew house. In good weather, an outdoor beer garden is available.


More things to do in Boonville.

Things to do in nearby Philo.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2011 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

May 1, 2011

Boonville: Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm; hotel review

12378 Boonville Rd. (Hwy. 253), 5 1/2 mi. from town, (707) 895-2572. 4 rooms. No TVs. Continental breakfast. Pets ok in 1 room.

exterior of the Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm in Boonville, California
exterior of the Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm in Boonville, California


This historic 1912 landmark Victorian began life as a stop on the toll road between the valley and Ukiah. Now a comfortable inn on 650 acres with several hiking trails, the spiffed up farmhouse has a clean-lined, contemporary-rustic style and its own well water. The ground floor of the Porch Room at the Toll House Inn/Bell Valley Farm has a private screened porch and clawfoot tub. All this and night-singing frogs, too!

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